WA move to enhance aquaculture industry

AUSTRALIA - The Western Australian and Northern Territory governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to ensure better management and co-operation of the pearling industry.

Also, the WA Department of Fisheries has released a draft discussion paper on aquaculture lease processes.

The MOU is based on a combined agreement between WA and the NT and agrees that South Sea pearl production be managed on a whole-of-industry basis in order to maintain the integrity of the industry and its value to the community.

At a joint signing with the Northern Territory Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Kon Vatskalis, WA counterpart, Fisheries Minister, Jon Ford said that the MOU would see the state and Territory working together to develop more consistent standards and policies to deal with management, compliance and industry development.

Source: WA Business News